YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University football team closed its non-conference schedule with a come-from-behind 27-24 home victory over the University of Wyoming Friday, Sept. 23, at Rynearson Stadium. The Eagles move to 3-1 on the season and are out to their best start since the 1995 season.
As a team, Eastern notched a total of 500 offensive yards, including 239 on the ground with . . .
As a team, Eastern notched a total of 500 offensive yards, including 239 on the ground with . . .
. . . an average rush of 5.1 yards per carry. Additionally, the Green and White threw for 261 yards, with four receivers notching three receptions or more. The Eagle defense had a spectacular game, holding the Cowboy (2-2) offense to just one offensive touchdown and one field goal throughout the game.
Leading the EMU offensive attack was redshirt sophomore Ian Eriksen, who totaled a career-high 120 yards on the ground, along with the go-ahead touchdown. Redshirt freshman Breck Turner had a break out game on the ground as well, posting a 50-yard rush for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Behind center, junior Todd Porter totaled 214 passing yards with one touchdown. It was his third straight 200-yard passing effort. Redshirt freshman Nigel Kibly tallied a career-best 84 yards receiving on four receptions, while junior Johnnie Niupalau notched 34 yards and one touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, EMU held the Cowboys to 313 offensive yards, highlighted by only 79 rushing yards on 38 attempts. It was the second time EMU has held its opponent to fewer than 100 yards this season, both coming at home. The Eagle defense forced three turnovers throughout the game, including two fumble recoveries and a clutch interception in the final moments of the game.
Leading the strong Green and White defense was redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Harris, who had a spectacular game with one sack and a blocked field goal. Freshman Vince Calhoun had a great game as well, forcing a fumble and securing the key interception in the fourth quarter. Redshirt junior Derric Williams totaled nine tackles, along with forcing a fumble.
Wyoming got on the board first and registered three of the first four scores to build a 17-3 lead midway through the second quarter.
Marcus Epps opened scoring with a 66-yard interception return at 7:24 of the first period. Paul Fricano booted a 46-yard field goal for Eastern on the ensuring drive.
The Cowboys matched that score with a 37-yard Cooper Rothe field goal with 12 seconds left in the first period and added a five-yard Brian Hill TD at 9:05 of the second period.
Eastern Michigan struck back on a 50-yard Turner TD run at 7:49 and managed to pull even with a seven-yad pass from Niupalau to Porter with just 18 ticks left before intermission.
The hosts grabbed a 20-17 lead following a 29-yard Fricano for the only score of the third stanza.
Wyoming’s defense, which provided the first score, came through again with the Cowboy’s last points. Logan Wilson’s 27-yard interception return put the visitors up 24-20 with 12:45 remaining. It stayed that way until the final minutes. EMU’s defense forced a three-and-out by Wyoming deep in its own territory.
Following a punt, Eastern Michigan took over at the Wyoming 47. Aided by a pass interference penalty, the Eagles quickly moved down to UW’s 15. Ericksen then burst through the line and went into the end zone standing up.
There was 1:35 remaining, but Wyoming was unable to get anything going. Allen was sacked on the first play and tossed an interception (to Calhoun) on the next snap. Eastern Michigan then ran the clock down to 18 seconds after a punt.
The Eagles will begin Mid-American Conference play next week, heading south for a showdown with the Bowling Green Falcons. Kickoff from Doyt Perry Stadium is slated for 3 p.m., and the game can be viewed on ESPN3.
(EMUEagles.com and MRO staff)
Behind center, junior Todd Porter totaled 214 passing yards with one touchdown. It was his third straight 200-yard passing effort. Redshirt freshman Nigel Kibly tallied a career-best 84 yards receiving on four receptions, while junior Johnnie Niupalau notched 34 yards and one touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, EMU held the Cowboys to 313 offensive yards, highlighted by only 79 rushing yards on 38 attempts. It was the second time EMU has held its opponent to fewer than 100 yards this season, both coming at home. The Eagle defense forced three turnovers throughout the game, including two fumble recoveries and a clutch interception in the final moments of the game.
Leading the strong Green and White defense was redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Harris, who had a spectacular game with one sack and a blocked field goal. Freshman Vince Calhoun had a great game as well, forcing a fumble and securing the key interception in the fourth quarter. Redshirt junior Derric Williams totaled nine tackles, along with forcing a fumble.
Wyoming got on the board first and registered three of the first four scores to build a 17-3 lead midway through the second quarter.
Marcus Epps opened scoring with a 66-yard interception return at 7:24 of the first period. Paul Fricano booted a 46-yard field goal for Eastern on the ensuring drive.
The Cowboys matched that score with a 37-yard Cooper Rothe field goal with 12 seconds left in the first period and added a five-yard Brian Hill TD at 9:05 of the second period.
Eastern Michigan struck back on a 50-yard Turner TD run at 7:49 and managed to pull even with a seven-yad pass from Niupalau to Porter with just 18 ticks left before intermission.
The hosts grabbed a 20-17 lead following a 29-yard Fricano for the only score of the third stanza.
Wyoming’s defense, which provided the first score, came through again with the Cowboy’s last points. Logan Wilson’s 27-yard interception return put the visitors up 24-20 with 12:45 remaining. It stayed that way until the final minutes. EMU’s defense forced a three-and-out by Wyoming deep in its own territory.
Following a punt, Eastern Michigan took over at the Wyoming 47. Aided by a pass interference penalty, the Eagles quickly moved down to UW’s 15. Ericksen then burst through the line and went into the end zone standing up.
There was 1:35 remaining, but Wyoming was unable to get anything going. Allen was sacked on the first play and tossed an interception (to Calhoun) on the next snap. Eastern Michigan then ran the clock down to 18 seconds after a punt.
The Eagles will begin Mid-American Conference play next week, heading south for a showdown with the Bowling Green Falcons. Kickoff from Doyt Perry Stadium is slated for 3 p.m., and the game can be viewed on ESPN3.
(EMUEagles.com and MRO staff)
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